Five Koito engineers have been recognised for their achievements in developing the supplier’s LED Compact Bi-function standardised unit which helps to accelerate the use of LED headlamps.
The Prizes for Science and Technology of the Commendation for Science and Technology, awarded by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, are intended to applaud those involved in science and technology who have made remarkable achievements in research and development, thus motivating their followers to come in helping raise the level of science and technology in Japan. Koito’s winners are Masayasu Ito, Akihiro Matsumoto, Takashi Inoue, Tetsuya Suzuki, and Satoshi Kikuchi.
This is the third time Koito have won such a prize, the first being in 2013 for the development of the mercury-free discharge headlamp, followed in 2015 by the development of the world’s first LED headlamp (Lexus LS600h).
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The LED Compact-Bi-function makes high and low beams with a single LED projector, thus realising smaller size, lighter weight, and greater efficiency. Koito started mass production in 2014. Previous LED headlamps could produce only one beam. With an innovative optical system and minimised and unified unit components, this compact Koito unit can easily be equipped on various types of vehicles, thus greatly increased the number of vehicles installing LED headlamps, and contributing to safer night driving.
